Tiles are pretty nice, durable, and easy to clean until it comes down to cleaning the grout. There is only a thin line that separates dazzling to dingy tiles, and that is the dirty grout. Most homeowners who avail of home cleaning services do not pay attention to whether their tiles are cleaned properly. They only come to realize this when it is too dirty to clean.
Grout is a porous material that is like a giant sponge that absorbs all the grime, grease, oils, and spills that it has come in contact with. There could be different reasons where its dirt is coming from. It could be from the moulds and mildew growing in the shower, cooking splatters in the kitchen, or mud stains on the floor.
No matter what the cause is, you should include grout cleaning in your house cleaning Auckland. Don’t know how to clean them? Cleaning a stained grout is easy, you won’t need a specialized tool to do it. Here are some suggestions on how to clean your grout.
Cleaning the Tiles
You don’t need harsh chemicals to clean the tiles. A DIY grout cleaner can be as effective and will do the trick. A combination of warm water and dish soap is best for all types of tiles be it ceramic or porcelain.
We also recommend vinegar, an indispensable agent for most house cleaning. However, you should dilute it with water as vinegar is very acidic. It may damage the grout and may etch stone tiles.
A gentle alternative for not-so-dirty tiles can be a mixture of dish soap and water. Spray it directly on the tiles and wipe the surface with a damp microfiber.
Scrub the Grout Lines
One of the best ways to clean the grout without turning to commercial cleaners is using an oxygen-based bleach like hydrogen peroxide, sodium perborate, or sodium percarbonate, and baking soda.
The combination is a powerful indoor cleaning solution that most house cleaning services use. Other than cleaning, it is also effective in preventing the growth of mould. So, keep this cleaning hack in your memory bank.
Step 1. Create a paste-like mixture by combining one part hydrogen peroxide and two parts oxygenated powder like washing soda. This thick paste will adhere to the grout line and spot-treat mould-infected areas.
Step 2. Use an old toothbrush to apply the grout in between the tiles. Focus on the areas with visible mould infestation. Allow the paste to sit and work its magic. Give it a gentle scrub for more effective cleaning.
Step 3. Rinse the areas with water and use a clean cloth to wipe the surface.
Step 4. For a sparklingly clean bathroom, enhance the house cleaning services clean the tiles with a simple white vinegar wash for non-porous tiles or plain water for stone.
An alternative to cleaning your dirty grout is steam. Start by spraying the grout lines with hot water and scrub the lines with an old toothbrush. It will lift the dirt and grime on the surface. Then, apply steam directly on the grout and scrub it in a circular motion. Finish it off by blotting the moisture away with a rag.
Conclusion
Cleaning a dirty grout is easy but the best way is to keep it clean and stain-free. Do this by spraying the tiles with diluted vinegar at least once a week. A few spritzes and wipes a week will save you from house cleaning services to maintain the pristine appearance of your home.
Julie is a passionate writer a mother of three kids and a dedicated cleaning enthusiast, eager to share valuable insights and practical tips on maintaining a clean and organized home. With a deep understanding of the challenges of maintaining a tidy living space, Julie has spent years honing its expertise in cleaning methods, organizing techniques, and sustainable practices.